Clear Skies

Once again the weather has surprised and frightened us…then returned to calm. It is much more than a joke in Oklahoma- it is a fact- if you don’t like the weather you have only to wait a few hours before it changes, often dramatically.

We have been waiting through three days of rain for a little clearing. We needed the rain. We probably still need more. But after a while the nerves start to fray a bit. Three days and 3-5 inches will suffice for now.

We were at school yesterday a little after 2pm when the power went off and the phones went dead. Our generators came on and lit up the halls, but the classrooms, air conditioning, and water fountains were all powerless. We “carried on” and finished out the day with story books and talk and packing backpacks in shadowy rooms. Most of the kids thought it was “cool” and exciting.

We soon learned through cell phones that a possible tornado and downed lines were the reason for the power failure.  By the time school was over and the children had been dismissed we had collected enough information from arriving parents to confirm some homes damaged, power lines down, accidents on the highway and a few injuries. The tornado had touched down only a few miles away. Believe me, you want at least a hundred miles between you and the nearest tornado!

So today the rain was gone. The power had been restored. The sun even came out this afternoon. Everyone squinted and averted their eyes. We went about our business as though nothing had happened. But I’m praying for those who were injured and lost some of their possessions. The damage may be considered “light” by comparison to other tornadoes, but I’m guessing that to those closest to it, the tornado was the most terrifying thing they’ve ever encountered.

Stay safe!

Comments

[Megan]

No tornado sirens? Seriously?